Guest Anonymous Posted October 13, 2001 Share Posted October 13, 2001 Hi all, Been lurking on the board for about a month or so. I am picking up a nice 1983 280ZX 2+2 in about a month. I'm buying it from my mechanic so it's been pretty well taken care of. The first stage is to get it to a good reliable condition. I will be updating/upgrading the suspension, interior and engine as my budget allows. Then I plan to put either a V-8 or a GN V6T in. My question: I have not seen much conversion information regarding the ZX series, even less for the 2+2 models. Are there any differences that will affect the conversion? Any other advice, suggestions in regard to having a 2+2? Thanks in advance. If this all goes well I would like to tackle a Velo Rossa with a V8 conversion in a couple of years. Thanks, Lance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLKMGK Posted October 14, 2001 Share Posted October 14, 2001 First and foremost - check emissions regulations in your area. In Virginia anything 25years old or older is exempt but I'm not sure what Florida requires. If that checks out there are several folks here who have done the swap. Differences would be not needing setback plates to place the engine correctly and the 2+2 needing a longer driveshaft. Other than that I'm not aware of any major differences except to watch out for th epower steering if you've got it. Actually, dpeending on the steering it could be a real bitch to do the swap so hopefully some of the ZX guys who know more about this will respond for you as it could be important... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted October 14, 2001 Share Posted October 14, 2001 Thanks for the info, hopeully I'll get some other replies from some other ZXers. BTW I really like your site, read through it a couple of times. Very informative and a sweet ride. Lance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danc Posted October 15, 2001 Share Posted October 15, 2001 Lance: Just got an 83ZX conversion running a couple of weeks ago, and am still working out tach calibration, power steering hook-up, vacumn fittings, and a few other minor problems. It's not a 2+2, but the conversion is essentially the same with the only noted exception I know of being the driveshaft length. The excellent info and advice on this forum gave me the confidence to take this project on, and I'm very happy with the result. Take a look at my post on 17 May by danc subject: ZX SBC using MSA mounts. I'd be happy to share any other info that might be helpful. Everyone will tell you to buy the Datsun Z V-8 Conversion Manual (WEB site www.JTRpublishing.com)and I agree 100%. There are significant differences between a "Z" and "ZX" conversion starting wit the JTR motor mounts set-back plates which can't be used since a ZX firewall if approximately 3" forward of a "Z". As you will see in my earlier post, I used the Motor Sports Auto mounts, and am happy with quality and overall fit, but a few guys (Sean from Oklahoma is one if I remember right) fabricated their own too. The philosophy and general info of the JTR manual is very well advised. One very important aspect of the converion is to carefully label the morass of old wiring as you remove it, and take solice in the fact that you won't need most of it! Some of my "buds" laughed at all the labels I used on the wires, but none of them were conveniently around when I quickly found the right ones to hook up! There are a few guys on the forum with ZX conversions that have been running for a while who could offer sage advice. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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